Forestry Sector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 May 2021

Wednesday, 19 May 2021

Ceisteanna (196)

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

196. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 1989 and 1992 of 24 March 2021 the declared internal changes, training and increased assistance to ecologists in the preparation of files, improved IT resources for ecologists and other system improvements will deliver in files per week and projected percentage increase of output; the date from which this increased output will be delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27089/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The target for forestry licences remains at 4,500 new licences and we are committed to delivering this. Progress has been made with licences overall up 11% up on last year so far this year but this needs to be improved and sustained.

To achieve an increase in licences of this size requires a number of factors from both the Department and from applicants. Along with Minister of State Hackett, who has responsibility for forestry, we are committed to a process of continuous improvement involving ongoing changes to improve output including training, increased assistance to ecologists in the preparation of files, improved IT resources for ecologists and other system improvements. We are also engaging intensively with the sector who also have a role to play by focusing on improvement in the quality and consistency of applications and subsequent information including NISs.

While there is no silver bullet to resolving these issues, I am hopeful that, with the collaboration of all, we can reach the ambitious targets for this year.